The five-year, fixed-term GFA revolves around the supply of fixed equipment, including mineral processing and material handling technologies, spare parts and consumables, as well as maintenance, consultancy and professional services.

The agreement is based on agreed terms and conditions aiming to provide reduced timelines for work between the two parties, although the specifics of these terms were not revealed.

It should also provide a framework for their relationship, with a focus on improvement initiatives within safety, technology, production and costs.

FLSmidth said this would support its goal of developing closer partnerships with Tier 1 miners like Rio Tinto. In particular, this could help improve the productivity of the miner's global operations through collaboration on improved, tailored solutions.

Peter Flanagan, senior vice president for executive accounts and key commodities at FLSmidth, believes the agreement will offer significant benefits for both parties, calling it "a true win-win".

The GFA runs from November 2019 to November 2024.